Spotting scope use ? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/10/2004 10:27:09 AM · #1

I used to have a Nikon F70 a few years ago before I went digital and I bought an adapter to be used on my sportting scope so I can get those long distant shot out in the woods. I got tons of great photo's with this system, and I wanted to know if any one has tried using a spotting scope and adapter with a digital camera, and what the results were like ? I know a real lens would give me a better shot, but I own the scope already and it is cheaper by many thousands of dollars.

Thanks for your input

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

07/10/2004 11:10:47 AM · #2

If you can find an adapter that will fit the scope and camera, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to get a photo with it. However, the photo will not be as good as you would get with a camera lens. An inexpensive mirror lens would probably work better. B&H Photo has the Vivitar Telephoto 500mm f/8.0 Mirror (Reflex) Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS for $109.95.

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

07/10/2004 11:18:32 AM · #3

I am not sure what this lens offers that you suggest, it looks like it goes to 500 mm which I supopose would be close to 16 times zoom on my Rebel. The spotting scope goes up to 45 times zoom which should be close to 70 power, so it is much higher. I have used it before with good results in film, just wondering if anyone has tried a spotting scope on a digital camera.

Thanks again

coolhar

07/10/2004 11:44:45 AM · #4

Try doing a web search on digiscope, or check out this one as a starting point Digibird.com.

Lots of people are using spotting scopes with digital cameras. As popular as the Rebel is, you'll probably have no problem finding the right adapters, etc.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/10/2004 11:52:06 AM · #5

Originally posted by coolhar:

Thanks this should give me what I need..........Mike

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

07/10/2004 12:06:26 PM · #6

Originally posted by Pioneer:

What it offers is a lens designed to work with a camera, unlike your spotting scope which is designed to work with the human eye.

I have no idea what the "zoom" factor would be with the 500mm mirror lens, but the focal length is 500mm and the magnification factor is 1:2.7.

Actually, I was just wanted to point out that not all super telephoto lenses cost "many thousands of dollars" as you stated.

If your scope worked with a 35mm SLR, then it should also work with a digital SLR. The 1.6 focal length multiplier on your 300D might make it work even better.

bod

07/10/2004 12:24:12 PM · #7

I've tried shooting with 600mm of zoom (960mm equivalent) at sites where birders were using spotting scopes. I had nowhere near enough zoom to get anything like a decent shot. As the digibird site says ... "The digiscoping combination can therefore result in 35mm equivalent focal lengths up to 6900 mm" ... quite a big difference! Where do I get one? ; )

Mike, go for it, there's no substitute for real zoom.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/10/2004 12:30:39 PM · #8

Originally posted by bod:

Thanks, I still have the scope and I have the camera all I need to do is find the adapter. It wasn't that expensive for my other camera, but when I sold it along when that little piece I need. I have been trying to get into Bushnell's site for a week now, and the site won't load worth a damn. I'll keep looking or if anyone knows where to find it I will go there.
Again thanks for all the help

David.C

07/10/2004 01:03:51 PM · #9

Bushnell's site loaded without a problem here, and they do have a couple of adapter for spotting scopes that work with Canon's EOS line. The question would be if they would work with the scope you currently have.

David

/edit: the adapters they list:
Camera Adapter
78-0050
22x Eyepiece 78-2200
30x Eyepiece 78-3000
Compatible with 78-0080 and 78-8045.

60x Eyepiece 78-2260
An optional, extra-high-power, fixed magnification eyepiece to extend the viewing range of your Spacemaster spotting scope. Compatible with 78-2317, 78-1821 and 78-1817.

35mm Camera Body Adapters
Nikon 20-0003
All AF and Non-AF Nikon cameras

Minolta 20-0004
All Minolta MD mount cameras

Canon 20-0005
All Canon FD mount cameras Pentax-K 20-0007
All AF and Non-AF Pentax-K mount

Minolta-AF 20-0010
All Minolta Maxxum cameras

Canon EOS 20-0051
All Canon EOS cameras

Message edited by author 2004-07-10 13:05:57.